Foster, Richard Joseph – (W)09/09/1915 - 07/11/1998

At age 20, before he was old enough to vote, Dick was elected to the South Carolina House of Representatives for Greenville County. When he took his seat at age 21, he was the youngest legislator in the nation. He was at that time a student at the University South Carolina School of Law, from which he graduated in 1937.

In 1940 Dick became judge of the Greenville County Juvenile Court. He was an early advocate of the rights of children and published several articles on this subject. When World War II erupted, Dick waived his judicial exemption and entered the Army Air Corps. He served in the European Theater and after the war served as a military judge. He was discharged in 1946 with the rank of Lt. Colonel.

Dick returned to Greenville and established what was to become the premier plaintiff’s practice in upper South Carolina. He was a founder, charter member, and early president of the SC Trial Lawyers Association. He was honored by that organization by being named president emeritus and the Association also established the Richard J. Foster Scholarship at USC. This scholarship assists outstanding first year law students.

Although Dick Foster is no longer with us, his influences will remain for many years. He taught that a trial lawyer can be a vigorous and effective advocate, but at the same time be courteous and totally honest. He was loved and admired by all. Dick Foster is survived by his wife, Beverly Klyce, a son, Bruce Foster, and three brothers, Dan, Mark and Bob.